Jeremy Utley - Burdens And Blessings Of Being A Pillar In The Church

Jeremy UtleyOctober 24, 201626mWatch on YouTube

Speaker: Jeremy Utley Title: Burdens And Blessings Of Being A Pillar In The Church Date: 10-23-2016 Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29) We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3) We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)

Summary

The speaker discusses the responsibility and calling to be a 'pillar' or leader in the church, drawing lessons from the story of the Golden Calf. He argues that the failure was not solely the people's fault, but a failure of leadership, specifically pointing to Aaron. The core message is that spiritual vision is crucial; where there is no vision, the people become unrestrained, requiring every aspiring leader to take personal responsibility and maintain a holy zeal to guide the body of Christ.

Outline

The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.

Aspiring to be an overseerBelievers should cultivate a heart desiring to be overseers or under-shepherds, aspiring to be mature pillars in the church upon whom stable structures can be built.1 Timothy 3:1

The golden calf deceptionEven when religious acts look good and have appointed leaders, mixing in human values and works of our own hands can lead to a scene of idolatrous offense.

Recognizing a leader problemThe golden calf incident was not merely a problem of obstinate people, but a failure of leadership, specifically tied to Aaron letting the people get out of control.Exodus 32:25

Vision and restraintWithout leaders who possess spiritual vision, people become unrestrained and fall into undisciplined behavior.Proverbs 29:18

The duty of a watchmanA watchman must possess spiritual vision and holy zeal to protect the people and keep them in check, especially when other leaders are absent.

Prepared for unexpected delaysJust like the bridegroom tarrying or Moses delayed on the mountain, a leader's spiritual metal must be strong enough to preserve the church during unexpected absences.

Avoiding the coattail effectLeaders cannot simply ride on the coattails of righteous others; they must possess an internal spiritual life that guards the church from mixing in worldly idols when leaders leave.

Shouldering the blameMoses held Aaron accountable for the people's great sin, showing that spiritual leaders must shoulder the blame rather than making excuses when those they watch over go astray.Exodus 32:21

Guarding against man's ideasPillars must jealously guard against the thief of idolatry and human ideas, ensuring no deviation from God's pattern happens on their watch.

When vision is lacking, people perishThe lack of spiritual vision caused the people to not only be unrestrained but ultimately face severe judgment and death in the camp.Exodus 32:26

Intimidation versus hopeWhile realizing the heavy responsibility of a watchman can be intimidating, it should also inspire hope that godly influence can avert disaster in families and the church.

Checking implicit permissionLeaders must ruthlessly examine their own lives to ensure they do not give others implicit permission to cool off in their devotion to the Lord.

Owning shortcomings and repentingInstead of mourning shortcomings objectively from a distance, leaders must take personal responsibility, confess sin like Daniel did, and find mercy and direction from God.

Entering the promised landBy having multiple spiritual pillars who take responsibility and deal with impurity now, God can lead the church straight into the promised land rather than letting them wander.

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Jeremy Utley - Burdens And Blessings Of Being A Pillar In The Church

Jeremy Utley · October 24, 2016 · 26m

Leadership The church